Resumo O Brasil é o maior produtor de figos da América do Sul, porém o cultivo comercial brasileiro da figueira baseia-se na plantação de uma única cultivar, o Roxo-de-Valinhos, resultando em sérios problemas relativos a pragas e doenças. Uma vez que há variações epigenéticas na interação planta-patógeno, principalmente por meio da regulação gênica, o presente trabalho objetiva realizar a caracterização in vivo de acessos de figo, por meio da análise de incidência natural de nematoides formadores de galha e de incidência natural de ferrugem, correlacionada ao seu perfil epigenômico, a fim de subsidiar trabalhos de conservação, melhoramento genético e produção da cultura. A análise dos componentes principais dos dados da caracterização dos acessos foi realizada por meio da matriz de correlação residual obtida pela análise de variância conjunta utilizando o programa GENES. Pôde-se constatar que todas as plantas foram atacadas por este patógeno, evidenciando que são suscetíveis ao mesmo. Já a análise conjunta dos dados demonstrou que a metilação e a incidência de ferrugem em folhas, quando observadas na mesma fase fenológica da planta, se correlacionam, apresentando evidências iniciais de mesmas cargas fatoriais de pressão nos genótipos, com a premissa de comportamento semelhante nos mesmos, indicando que, além do fator genético, fatores abióticos também são responsáveis pelas alterações no fenótipo das plantas, evidenciando a plasticidade fenotípica das mesmas.

Abstract Commercial fig tree cultivation in Brazil involves a single cultivar, ‘Roxo-de-Valinhos’. The use of a single cultivar results in serious diseases and related problems. The aim of this study was to characterize fig accessions by analyzing the natural root-knot nematode and leaf rust incidence in relation to the epigenomic profile of the plant, since epigenetic variations affect plant–pathogen interactions. All plants were attacked by nematodes, indicating susceptibility; Meloidogyne incognita was the root-knot nematode species involved. Joint analysis of data showed that methylation and leaf rust incidence were correlated when observed in the same phenological phase, presenting initial evidence of the same factorial pressure loads in genotypes, suggesting similar behavior within these genotypes.

There is robust evidence of the hypochlorous acid (HClO)-mediated damage in biomolecules, and nicotine boosts the chlorination potency of HClO. We present experimental and theoretical evidence of the mechanism by which nicotine catalyzes the chlorination of pyranine. The rate constants for chlorination of pyranine by HClO were measured in the presence (5.3 × 105 mol 1 L s-1) and absence of nicotine (4.2 × 103 mol-1 L s-1), revealing the catalytic effect of the alkaloid. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, based on B3LYP-GD3(BJ)/6-311++G(3df,2p)/SMD(Water)//B3LYP-GD3(BJ)/6-311++G(2d,p)/SMD(Water) level of theory, were performed and showed a decreased activation energy for chlorine transfer and hydrogen abstraction when nicotine chloramine intermediated the reaction. The atomic polar tensor (APT) charges on the chlorine atom of HClO (+0.084) were lower than the chlorine of nicotine chloramine (+0.149), revealing the higher electrophilic character of nicotine chloramine. In conclusion, the increased electrophilic nature of HClO provoked by nicotine explains its catalytic effect.

The essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus, citronella, has been extensively studied. However, the chemical and biological properties of the ethanolic extract (EE) of C. nardus have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of the EE of C. nardus and its active fraction (FrD). Moreover, the cytotoxic and antifungal properties of these extracts against Candida species with different resistance profiles to conventional drugs were evaluated. The compounds identified in EE were mono-C- and di-C-glycosyl flavones and phenylpropanoid glycosides. Phenylpropanoid glycosides were identified in FrD. EE showed antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 62. 5 to 500 µg mL-1. FrD was more effective against C. glabrata, as evidenced by the lowest MIC value (15. 6 µg mL-1). EE inhibited yeast growth similar to amphotericin-B, as demonstrated by similar time-kill curves. EE inhibited C. albicans hyphae formation and mature biofilm of C. albicans, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. The results of the chemical and biological analyses of EE and its fractions provided novel information and may contribute to control of infections caused by Candida species.

The syntheses, characterization, cytotoxicity against tumor cells and anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity assays of PtII/PPh3/N,N-disubstituted-N'-acylthioureas complexes with general formulae [Pt(PPh3)2(L)]PF6, PPh3 = triphenylphosphine; L = N,N-disubstituted-N'-acylthiourea, are here reported. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H, 13C{1H} and 31P{1H}) spectroscopy. The 31P{1H} NMR data are consistent with the presence of two PPh3 ligands cis to each other position, and one N,N-disubstituted-N'-acylthiourea coordinated to the metal through O and S, in a chelate form. The structures of the complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography, forming distorted square-planar structures. The complexes were tested in human cell lines carcinomas and also screened with respect to their anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity (H37RvATCC 27294). It was found that complexes with N,N-disubstituted-N'-acylthiourea containing open and small chains as R2 groups show higher cytotoxic and higher anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity than those containing rings in this position.

The synthesis of novel amino alcohol derivatives based on cardanol and glycerol were achieved in good yields and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and MS (mass spectrometry). In addition, we evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, standard and clinical strains), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and M. tuberculosis bacterial strains. The bioassay results indicated that four compounds showed activity against S. aureus, including the clinical resistant strain, with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) ranging from 3.90 to 15.60 µg mL-1 and M. tuberculosis, with MIC90 (minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit the growth of 90% of organisms) ranging from 3.18 to 7.36 µg mL-1.

In this paper we continue our efforts in the search for new Schiff bases as resveratrol analogues as promising antitubercular and antileishmanial agents. Compounds were evaluated in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Leishmania species. Compounds showed varying activity against promastigotes of all Leishmania species tested (concentration leading to reduction of 50% of parasite growth-IC50 values ranging from 1.60 to 15.53 µg mL-1). Majority of compounds exhibited good results against Leishmania species with IC50 values below 10.00 µg mL-1, with no cytotoxicity against macrophages. One of the analogues showed the best activity against amastigotes of L. amazonensis (IC50 = 5.73 µg mL-1). Furthermore, the compounds showed comparable or better effect than drugs commonly used in tuberculosis treatment such as Cycloserine®. The analogue that was the most active for M. tuberculosis had minimal inhibitory concentration MIC90 = 0.78 µg mL-1. The in vitro cytotoxicity on Vero cells (CC50), as well as the selectivity index (SI = CC50/MIC) were also evaluated, and showed that the synthesized analogues are not cytotoxic.

Dermatosparaxia em animais é uma doença autossômica recessiva do tecido conjuntivo caracterizada por fragilidade e hiperextensibilidade cutânea. A doença em ovinos White Dorper é provocada pela mutação c.421G>T no gene ADAMmetalopeptidase com trombospondina tipo 1 motif, 2 (ADAMTS2). O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os achados clínicos, moleculares e histopatológicos da dermatosparaxia em ovinos White Dorper de um rebanho localizado no Centro-Oeste Paulista. O rebanho era composto por nove animais, sendo um reprodutor, quatro matrizes e seus respectivos borregos. Dos nove animais examinados, dois apresentavam sinais clínicos compatíveis com dermatosparaxia. O exame histopatológico de amostras cutâneas das lesões destes dois animais revelou também achados compatíveis com dermatosparaxia, sendo caracterizados por epiderme e anexos cutâneos preservados e sem características atípicas; colágeno displásico arranjado em feixes pequenos, fragmentados e com focos de degeneração, anexos cutâneos proeminentes e na região da derme foco hemorrágico intenso associado a moderado infiltrado neutrofílico na derme profunda. Com o objetivo de realizar o diagnóstico molecular da enfermidade, uma PCR foi padronizada utilizando primers específicos desenhados para amplificar a região do gene ADAMTS2 que continha a mutação c.421G>T e o DNA obtido de amostras de sangue de todos os animais do rebanho. O sequenciamento direto dos produtos da PCR, comprovou que os dois animais clinicamente afetados possuíam a mutação responsável pela dermatosparaxia. A metodologia descrita neste estudo possibilitou o diagnóstico definitivo da doença. Segundo a literatura consultada, esta é a primeira vez que a dermatosparaxia é descrita em ovinos White Dorper no Brasil. A metodologia aqui descrita poderá ser empregada em estudos futuros que avaliem a prevalência desta mutação no Brasil, possibilitando a adoção de medidas que previnam a disseminação dessa mutação no rebanho brasileiro de ovinos White Dorper.

Dermatosparaxis in animals is an autosomal recessive disorder of the connective-tissue clinically characterized by skin fragility and hiperextensibility. The disease in White Dorper sheep is caused by mutation (c.421G>T) in the ADAM metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 2 (ADAMTS2) gene. This study describes the dermatological, histological and the molecular findings of the dermatosparaxis in White Dorper sheep from a herd located in the center-west of São Paulo State. The herd consisted of one ram, four ewe and their lambs. In this herd two lambs had clinical signs consistent with dermatosparaxis. Histopathological evaluation of the affected skin of these two animals also revealed consistent findings with dermatosparaxis, characterized by dysplasia of the collagen, which were arranged in small and fragmented collagen bundles and with foci of degeneration of collagen. Prominent cutaneous appendages and severe hemorrhagic focus in dermis region associated with mild neutrophilic infiltrate in the deep dermis. PCR using DNA blood and specific primers to amplify the mutation region c.421G>T was optimized in order to perform molecular diagnosis of the disease. The direct sequencing of the PCR products proved that the two clinically affected animals had the mutation responsible for dermatosparaxis, previously described for this breed and allowed the definitive diagnosis of the disease. This is the first report of the dermatosparaxis in White Dorper sheep in Brazil and the methodology used to confirm the diagnosis could be used in future studies to assess the prevalence of this mutation in Brazil, allowing the adoption of measures to prevent the spread of this mutation in the Brazilian White Dorper herd.

Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) is the predominant species of begomovirus in São Paulo State, Brazil, and infects primarily tomato and pepper plants. There is no information about genetic resistance of pepper to this virus, so in this work the reaction of 29 genotypes of Capsicum spp. was evaluated by inoculation of two ToSRV isolates: ToSRV-Sk (isolated from a tomato plant) and ToSRV-PJU (isolated from a pepper plant). For both isolates, two C. annuun genotypes (Catarino Cascabel - México and Silver) showed no symptoms 30 days after inoculation (d.a.i). In a second experiment, these two genotypes were evaluated for 150 d.a.i and, again, no symptoms could be observed. However, the virus was detected by RCA-PCR, indicating that both genotypes are susceptible, but less affected by ToSRV infection. Catarino Cascabel - México and Silver can be indicated for use in breeding programs for resistance of pepper to ToSRV.

Três complexos de PdII com tiossemicarbazonas N(4)-substituídas foram preparados: [Pd(aptsc)(PPh3)](NO3)•H2O, 1, [Pd(apmtsc)(PPh3)](NO3), 2, e [Pd(apptsc)(PPh3)](NO3)•H2O, 3, sendo PPh3 = trifenilfosfina; Haptsc = 2-acetilpyridina-tiossemicarbazona; Hapmtsc = 2-acetilpiridina-N(4)-metil-tiossemicarbazona e Happtsc = 2-acetilpiridina-N(4)-fenil-tiossemicarbazona. Os complexos foram caracterizados por análise elementar, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H e 31P{¹H} NMR e tiveram suas estruturas cristalinas determinadas por difratometria de raios X em monocristal. Os ligantes tiossemicarbazonatos monoaniônicos atuam de modo tridentado, ligando-se ao metal pelos átomos de nitrogênio piridínico, nitrogênio azometínico e enxofre. A atividade citotóxica frente à linhagem de células tumorais MDA-MB231 (tumor de mama) e a atividade anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv ATCC 27294 dos compostos foram investigadas. Os complexos de PdII mostraram-se altamente ativos contra as células tumorais, com valores de IC50 em torno de 5 µmol L-1, enquanto o agente antitumoral em uso clínico cisplatina mostrou-se inativo. Os compostos apresentaram atividade anti-M. tuberculosis significante, com valores de CIM comparáveis ou melhores que aqueles referentes a alguns fármacos usados clinicamente contra tuberculose.

Three PdII complexes were prepared from N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones: [Pd(aptsc)(PPh3)](NO3)•H2O, 1, [Pd(apmtsc)(PPh3)](NO3), 2, and [Pd(apptsc)(PPh3)](NO3)•H2O, 3, where PPh3 = triphenylphosphine; Haptsc = 2-acetylpyridine-thiosemicarbazone; Hapmtsc = 2-acetylpyridine-N(4)-methyl-thiosemicarbazone and Happtsc = 2-acetylpyridine-N(4)-phenyl-thiosemicarbazone. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H and 31P{¹H} NMR spectroscopies, and had their crystalline structures determined by X-ray diffractometry from single crystals. The monoanionic thiosemicarbazonate ligands act in a tridentate mode, binding to the metal through the pyridine nitrogen, the azomethine nitrogen and the sulfur atoms. The cytotoxic activity against the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB231 and the anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv ATCC 27294 activity were evaluated for the compounds. All PdII complexes were highly active against the studied cell line, presenting similar values of IC50, around 5 µmol L-1, while the clinically applied antitumor agent cisplatin was inactive. The compounds show remarkable anti-M. tuberculosis activities, presenting MIC values comparable or better than some commercial anti-M tuberculosis drugs.

In order to reduce the total number of experiments for achieving the highest amount of adsorbed Cu2+ (qmax) using pecan nutshells (Carya illinoensis) as biosorbent, a full 2(4) factorial design with two central points was carried out (mass of biosorbent- m, pH, initial metallic ion concentration- C0, time of contact- t). In order to continue the optimization of the system, a central composite surface analysis design with two factors and five central points was carried out. The maximum amount of Cu2+ taken up by the pecan nutshells was 20 mg g-1. These results were confirmed by determining a Cu2+ isotherm using the best conditions attained by the statistical design of experiments.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a hospital in Córdoba, Argentina. We collected 235 rectal swab specimens from 147 ICU patients. Resistance to vancomycin was screened with the disk diffusion method, and MICs were determined with the E-test method. Vancomycin-resistant genotypes were determined by PCR. The VRE strains were isolated from 18/147 patients (12.2%). The isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium (94.4%), and Enterococcus gallinarum (5.6%). PCR showed that the E. faecium strains carried the vanAgene, and the E. gallinarum strain carried the vanC1gene. Our study indicated that at least 12.2% of ICU patients were VRE carriers.

El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de colonización con EVR en pacientes de una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en un hospital de la Ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina. Se recolectaron 235 muestras por hisopado rectal de 147 pacientes. La resistencia a vancomicina fue estudiada por el método de difusión con discos y las CIMs fueron determinadas por E-test. Los genotipos de resistencia fueron determinados por PCR. Se aislaron cepas de EVR en 18/147 pacientes (12,2 %). Los aislamientos fueron identificados como Enterococcus faecium (94,4%) y Enterococcus gallinarum (5,6%). Todas las cepas de E. faecium fueron portadoras del gen vanA y la cepa de E. gallinarum del gen vanC1 de resistencia intrínseca. Este estudio mostró que el 12,2% de los pacientes internados en la UCI fueron portadores de EVR.

In this study, the preparation of the xerogel anilinepropylsilica is reported. The ability of the xerogel for extracting Al(III), Cr(III) and Fe(III) from ethanol was investigated at 25 ºC. The xerogel adsorption capacities were obtained from the adsorption isotherms by using the batch method. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used to estimate the concentration of metal ions in solution. The adsorption affinity follows the series Cr(III) > Fe(III) > Al(III) and the maximum adsorption capacities of the metal ions were 0.61, 0.52 and 0.43 mmol g-1, respectively.

This paper gives a brief overview of the technical progress that can be achieved with the newly available segmented HPGe detectors. Gamma-ray tracking detectors are a new generation of HPGe detectors which are currently being developed to improve significantly the efficiency and resolving power of the 4pi germanium detectors arrays for high-precision gamma-ray spectroscopy. They consist of highly segmented HPGe detectors associated with fast digital front-end electronics. Through the pulse-shape analysis of the signals it is possible to extract the energy, timing and spatial information on the few interactions a gamma-ray undergoes in the HPGe detector. The tracks of the gamma-rays in the HPGe detector can then be reconstructed in three dimensions based on the Compton scattering formula. Such a detector has been used for the first time during an in-beam experiment. The gamma-decay of the Coulomb excitation of a 56Fe nucleus was measured with the highly segmented MARS prototype positioned at 135 degree. The energy resolution has been improved by a factor of 3 as compared to standard HPGe detectors due to very precise Doppler correction based on knowledge of the gamma-ray track.

Foram desenvolvidos estudos com colunas de solo (Ø = 4 cm; h = 25 cm) em condições de laboratório, em Londrina, durante os anos de 1999 e 2000, utilizando-se o horizonte Bw de um Latossolo Vermelho. As seguintes plantas foram testadas: agriãozinho das pastagens (Synedrellopsis grisebachii), carrapicho-de-carneiro (Acanthospermum hispidum ), caruru roxo (Amaranthus hybridus), ordão-de-frade (Leonotis nepetifolia: ), losna branca (Parthenium hysterophorus), mamona (Ricinus communis), picão branco (Galinsoga parviflora) e trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis ). Extratos aquosos da parte aérea das plantas (3 g em 150 mL) foram aplicados na superfície do solo e lixiviados com três volumes de poros de água destilada, em tratamentos com calcário na superfície. Avaliaram-se as alterações no pH do solo e os teores de cátions trocáveis (Ca, Al, K e Mg) em camadas do solo de 5 cm e na solução efluente. A calagem superficial (sem extrato vegetal) aumentou o pH e o Ca e diminuiu o Al apenas no local de aplicação e, em menor intensidade, na camada de 5-10 cm. Os extratos de plantas e calagem superficial aumentaram o pH e reduziram Al até 20 cm de profundidade. A mamona foi a planta invasora que apresentou a maior capacidade de transportar Ca, elevando a concentração do nutriente até 15 cm de profundidade. As plantas de maior efeito na acidez foram: picão branco e trapoeraba, que também causaram a maior lixiviação de Al da coluna de solo. As de menor efeito foram: agriãozinho e carrapicho-de-carneiro. As plantas invasoras testadas apresentaram potencial para uso, objetivando o aumento da eficiência da calagem na correção da acidez da subsuperfície do solo.

Studies with soil columns (Ø = 4 cm; h = 25 cm) were carried out under laboratory conditions in the years 1999 and 2000, in Londrina, using the Bw horizon of a Red Latosol. The following weed species were tested: Synedrellopsis grisebachii, Acanthospermum hispidum, Amaranthus hybridus, Leonotis nepetifolia, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ricinus communis, Galinsoga parviflora and Commelina benghalensis. Shoot extracts (3 g in 150 mL of water) were applied onto the soil surface with a lime top dressing and then leached with three pore volumes of deionized water. Alterations of soil pH and exchangeable cation contents were determined, taking samples from soil layers of 5 cm and leached solutions from the columns. Liming without plant extracts increased soil pH and Ca and decreased Al in the top layer, and, less intense, in the 5-10 cm layer. Liming with plant extracts increased soil pH and reduced Al down to 20 cm of depth. Ricinus communis presented the greatest capacity as Ca carrier, increasing its content down to 15 cm of depth. G. parviflora and C. benghalensis reduced soil acidity most effectively and also stimulated highest Al leaching, while least effective weeds were S. grisebachii and A. hispidum. The tested plant extracts present potential to transfer lime alkalinity to acid soil subsurface.